Magnetic Lock Mandrel for Backpacks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locks for carrying containers like knapsacks are often expensive and difficult to use, lacking a secure and efficient mechanism to lock and unlock the container lid.
Innovation Solution
A lock system featuring a rotatable mandrel with guide grooves and magnets, where the mandrel is rotated between unlocking and locking positions by increasing magnetic attraction, and is held in place by both magnetic force and a spring for added security, facilitating easy handling with an ergonomically shaped actuating element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional lock mechanism is used for carrying containers, then the locking function is provided, but the lock becomes expensive and difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical locking mechanisms with a magnetic field-based locking system. Magnets are positioned on both the engagement unit and receiving unit to create magnetic attraction that secures the lid without requiring traditional mechanical keys, latches, or multiple moving parts. This substitution maintains reliable locking while dramatically improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of locking force from mechanical (physical interlocking of parts) to magnetic (electromagnetic attraction between magnets). This parameter change allows the lock to operate simply by bringing the engagement unit near the receiving unit, where magnetic attraction automatically secures the connection without manual manipulation of complex mechanisms.
2Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented, then the container lid can be reliably locked, but the structure becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical locking mechanisms with a magnetic field-based locking system. Magnets are positioned on both the engagement unit and receiving unit to create magnetic attraction that secures the lid without requiring traditional mechanical keys, latches, or multiple moving parts. This substitution maintains reliable locking while dramatically simplifying the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the locking function into the basic engagement structure itself. The engagement unit with its pin and guide grooves serves dual purposes: it provides the mechanical connection structure and simultaneously works with the magnets to create the locking effect. This merging eliminates the need for separate, complex locking mechanisms.
3Device complexity
If the mandrel is held in locking position by magnetic force only, then the structure remains simple, but unintentional opening may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is pre-loaded to exert a continuous biasing force on the mandrel toward the locked position. This preliminary action ensures that the mandrel naturally settles into and remains secured at the locked position, requiring deliberate user action (rotation) to overcome the spring force and unlock. This prevents unintentional opening while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring provides a preliminary counter-force that opposes any unintended movement of the mandrel away from the locked position. By pre-loading the spring to bias the mandrel toward locking, the system creates a resistance that must be actively overcome to unlock, thereby preventing accidental or unintentional opening while keeping the overall structure simple.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The lock provides a secure, easy-to-use, and cost-effective solution for locking and unlocking container lids, ensuring the mandrel is securely locked and requires overcoming spring force for unlocking, preventing unintentional opening.
Implementation Method 1
a second magnet which cooperates with the first magnet in a holding manner and which is arranged in the area of the bottom of the recess, and a number of engagement elements corresponding to the number of guide grooves, which are designed and positioned such that, in the unlocked position of the mandrel, when the mandrel is inserted into the recess, they engage with the guide grooves provided on the mandrel and are then moved within the guide grooves when the mandrel is moved into its locking position, wherein the transfer of the pin from the unlocking position to the locking position is supported by the increasing magnetic attraction of the mutually attracting magnets, and the pin is held in its locking position by the magnets when the locking position is reached
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Lock (1) for a container (4), in particular for a carrying container in the form of a satchel, a backpack or the like.